This blog provides insights into the Pledge To Fitness® methodology. This week, we sat down with our founder, Andres Loperena, to give our new and prospective members a clear view of our fitness studio’s comprehensive approach to fitness. Here’s what he had to say…
First off, Andres, can you explain what the Pledge To Fitness® Methodology is?
The Pledge System™ represents the core of our fitness methodology at PTF™. It involves four elements. The first element is personal training, similar to the Optimum Performance Training Model used by the NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) for many years. However, our approach is specifically tailored for everyday people aiming to get fit. In addition to training, our holistic approach to wellness encompasses three additional pillars: nutrition, massage therapy, and continuous follow-up. This ongoing support is achieved by actively listening to our clients and tracking their progress with regular 3-D body scans.
Can you tell us more about the exercise component of PTF™ Methodology?
Our customized workout programs guide clients through phases—stability, endurance, hypertrophy (volume-building), and strength—in a process known as periodization training. By consistently varying workout variables like intensity and duration, research shows that you can achieve greater gains while minimizing injury risks.
What does each stage involve?
First, “stability” might sound like it’s about not tipping over, but it actually refers to enhancing the body’s ability to react under stress and maintain joint alignment for clean repetitions during workouts. If your knees wobble during a squat, it indicates a lack of joint stability. This phase is foundational for building strength and rehabilitating old injuries.
“Endurance” is more straightforward—it’s about increasing muscles’ ability to sustain effort over time. As we transition to hypertrophy training, we reduce the number of reps or set durations while increasing the load and rest periods. This phase focuses on breaking down and building up new, larger muscles.
Finally, “strength training” utilizes those new muscles, making them stronger or more capable of producing force through resistance training, such as free weights, machines, or body weight exercises.
What is the setup like at Pledge To Fitness Studio?
We use a pod system in our gym to organize activities. These are 250-square-foot areas with optional privacy screens. When a client arrives, their Pledge Coach™ will lead them through one or two pods equipped with all the necessary equipment for that workout. Massages and nutrition consultations also take place in pods. This setup respects clients’ time while fostering a sense of community, allowing interaction with other clients and trainers.
How do nutrition and massage therapy integrate into your fitness methodology?
They’re incredibly important! As the saying goes, “muscles are made in the kitchen.” You can’t achieve optimal health without proper nutrition. Our professional nutrition coaching helps clients adopt sustainable healthy eating habits.
Massage therapy is crucial for recovery, correcting muscle imbalances, and preventing injuries. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a good massage?
Can you share some of your clients’ success fitness stories with your readers?
Sure! One story is about a couple who stays motivated to work out because they love staying active and traveling around the world. They’ve found a way to blend their passion for adventure with their fitness goals, and it’s been an amazing, joyful fitness journey for them. Another story is about a young professional and mom of two who went from dealing with constant aches and pains to accountability and feeling fantastic. She’s really proud of how far she’s come and loves sharing her path to wellness. We’ve also got some clients who have been with Pledge To Fitness since we started in 2014. Our retention rate is super high, and it’s awesome to see people stick with us for the long haul.
Lastly, any parting words for our Pledges?
At Pledge To Fitness®, our mission is to provide a personalized approach to fitness and wellness supported by our comprehensive fitness methodology. Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or looking to elevate your current routine, our combination of training, nutrition, and massage therapy is designed to help you achieve and maintain your goals. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Andres, thanks for your time; we’ll let you get back to it.
Cheers!
Learn more about our founder, Andres, and the rest of the Pledge Team®
